Choices . . .

It is interesting how when you think you have it all figured out, life happens.  I have been contemplating this reality over the past few days.  Before I went back to work, I attended a weekly Bible study.  One of the lovely ladies talked about how she decided that she could never really make plans.  When she did, that was usually about the time that God would come in and rip the carpet out from under her.  Now, I will stop now to say that by no means do I believe God to be vindictive or some kind of heavenly bully.  I just think that we sometimes forget who really is in charge of our lives and in order for us to wake up and remember, He has to take some drastic measures.  Or, He just reserves that kind of dramatic intervention for people like me. People who seem to white knuckle control on life.  All in all, it is a lesson that I feel like I am constantly re-learning.

 This Sunday the message included Jeremiah 29:11.  I have always loved that verse.  So comforting and instills a sense of "contentment" in knowing that He has it all together.  While listening to it, I begun to get the feeling that life as we currently know it, might change a bit.  Work has begun, Kaydance is doing great, Michel has started another school year with his youth group . . . all seems normal.  But, the feeling still looms.  Today I feel it so thick, at times I wonder if it might suffocate me.

I walked into work today thinking it was just another Monday and left with a decision to make.  I would not necessarily label it "LIFE ALTERING."  But still, I feel like it could cause ripples in our lives.  Is this the big moment?  I am unsure. What I do know is that prayer for the three of us would be great.  Prayer that includes us remembering who is really in charge.  Prayer that includes peace and wisdom to make the correct decisions . . . 

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

POOP

It seems to be taking over my life.  I think my kid is saying in constantly, I dream about it, I feel like we are constantly smelling it.  When we are not cleaning up an accident, I am stressing about when the next when will occur.  Seriously peeps, I am loosing it.

Yes, you guessed it, we have been potty training.  We have been pretty successful too I might add.  She pees splendidly in the potty almost 100% of the time.  We just use panties, only pull ups for naps and night time.  For two weeks, I thought we got lucky.  But this third week has really begun to make me question my teaching abilities.  For those of you that do not know, I am a teacher.  So not only am I dealing with motherhood insecurities, I am now dealing with some professional scrutiny.  Who knew that a cute little two year old could cause such a ruckus.

POOP . . . she just can't seem to get it in the potty.  She poops in her panties almost 100% of the time.  I am not sure what to do differently.  I know she is on the young end of the spectrum for potty training.  She has yet to have an entire month of being two under her belt.  I get that it will all come with practice.  But let me tell you, I am so DONE.  Anyone out there with tips, please send them my direction.

All I can do is try to keep patient and weather the storm.  And this beauty helps me do that.

LIFE

I know.  It has been awhile.  I have no real excuse.  One week became one month and one month became two and then the idea of playing catch up was just so daunting. I had thought about trying to make it all up.  My last post was before the Holidays.  So in theory, those events should of been recorded.  However, I am just gonna chalk it up as a loss and begin again.

Life in Oakhurst right now is good.  Michel is truckin' along with youth group.  He comes home frequently with grass stains, proof that many a hike or some form of tom foolery has occurred.  Needless to say, he typically enjoys his Summers. 

I, however, have difficulties viewing this season with such positive perspective.  Largely because it is difficult to see with all the sweat pouring down my face.  It is just stupid hot here.  This means we are stuck inside and both myself and Kaydance do not do well under such conditions.  I think that the public school systems just need to realize that Summer vacation would be so much better in the Fall.

- picture by Candace Tallmon

Kaydance is ridiculous.  She is such a joy to have in our lives, sometimes I just look at her and pinch myself.  Really, God you gave me this?  I am in a Bible study right now and there was a lesson about how the disciples had difficulties seeing more then just a speck of what God had for them.  I think before Kaydance was placed in our lives, I viewed my life in a similar way.  I can't believe how large my story board is.  God really did spoil me and was just showing off when he created our little bug.

Daddy favorite cave near Yosemite Falls

She is 2.  She turned 2 a week ago.  She is 28lbs and flippin 38" tall.  Seriously, keeping pants on this kid is just a joke. She wears a size 18m waisted jean but I have to buy only certain 2T pants.  Some are longer than others.  She is smack dab in the middle of potty training, which leaves us never with a dull moment.  She loves, love LOVES water.  Has a somewhat unhealthy addiction to all things Tangled, sings us songs, knows her numbers to 20 and can point out most letters.  Blessed.  That is what we are . . .

Amma took pictures of her under the water . . .

Love you bug

Spa time :)